This past weekend, Vintage Wings  hosted the Second Annual Canadian Air Demonstration Formation Camp. Over 23 air show performers and their vintage aircraft, from across Canada and the US,  gathered in Gatineau to share expertise and fly together. The US has FAST, but in our country there are currently no common rules or guidelines that pilots follow when flying in formation.  Vintage Wings took up the initiative to harness the vast amount of skill out there and come together to agree and standardize things such as hand signals, break timing and station change names.

For the grand finale, the entire camp did a mass parade fly-past over downtown Ottawa and The Tulip Festival at Dow’s Lake. With a time-on-target only seconds off, the fly-past was a resounding success, both from the ground and in the air. The skies filled with the sound of piston engines on Mother’s Day (ok, plus two jet aircraft) in honour of those who served and all the mothers out there – what more could a mother want on her special day?

First briefing, then flying. Remember, plan the flight, then fly the plan.

The P40, Mustang and a T28 lie in wait.

Steph Lavictoire demonstrates expert marshalling.

The men behind the lenses: Peter Handley (L) and Eric Dumigan.

Mass parade planning; Formation Camp Leads Marc Ouellette (L) and Rob Fleck (second from Right) map out the mission.

For outstanding photos of the Formation Camp, please visit:

http://www.airic.ca/html/vwocfcmassattack.html

All photos HF.

As air show season approaches, Vintage Wings is getting ready to hold their second annual Formation Camp.

The goal of the camp is to develop Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs) for civilians who fly formation as part of air shows.

Vintage Wings is expecting 20-30 aircraft to be in attendance, with over 40 people at the briefings.

Today the first aircraft arrived – a Boeing Stearman, belonging to one Joe Cosmano, Vintage Wings volunteer and pilot extraordinaire. Packed to the gunnels with various pilot paraphenalia, Joe and his Stearman came from the great State of  New York, taking advantage of the cloudless blue skies and light winds to make the trip in three short hops.

Other aircraft arriving throughout the week include Trojan T28s, Pitts, Sukoi, Yak 52, and an L-39, in addition to the regular roster of Vintage Wings trainers and fighters.

All photos HF.

Tips and tricks from last year were reviewed, as well as lessons learned. Each team leader spoke about his/her plan for this year with any changes.

The major difference to the show this year is the transition to a two-day show: Sat, Sept 15 and Sun, Sept 16, will both see a breathtaking display above the Gatineau Airport.

As per last year, Vintage Wings will also hold a member’s-only  BBQ and Twilight Air Show Friday evening, Sept 14.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Wings Over Gatineau-Ottawa en vol air show, come on out to our Volunteer Training Day, Sat, May 12th at the hangar at 9:00am.

Until then, start crossing fingers and toes for spectacular weather in September!

Located in the main concourse, downstairs in Domestic Arrivals, the store is the first of many to be established across the country in the new few years.

“It’s about getting our message out,” said Michael Potter, about Vintage Wings’ mission to Commemorate, Educate and Inspire Canadians, especially young Canadians, about our rich aviation heritage.

Offering quality aviation heritage clothing, including t-shirts, jackets, sweaters, and caps, the store is the result of many hours of hard work by Carolyn Leslie, Business Operations Manager, and Julien Brown, Manager of Retail Operations.

See Gear Up coverage in the Ottawa Citizen: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Come+with/6412120/story.html.

Check out opening day pictures by Vintage Wings photographer Peter Handley: http://www.phdcreative.com/galleries/VWC/2012/gearup_40412/.

Snowbirds’ Schedule:

http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/snowbirds/page-eng.asp?id=1592

CF-18 Schedule:

http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/cf18/evnt/index-eng.asp?evnt-mm=9&evnt-yyyy=2012#ce